MILAN, Mar 12, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Famous the world over for her fabulous accessories, Mattel today announced the official Barbie® 50th Anniversary car - the Fiat 500. Recognized as the ultimate in Italian design, absolute glamour, and one of the most incredibly stylish and notable cars the world over, the Fiat 500 will deliver Barbie® doll in unique style as she marks an extraordinary year.

At its famous Centro Stile (Styling Centre), Fiat has created two special edition pink Barbie™ Fiat 500 life-sized show cars especially for Barbie®. The Barbie™ Fiat 500 marries the best of the two icons' incredible styles to create the ultimate car for Barbie® doll's ultimate celebration.

"We immediately recognized the synergy between Barbie and Fiat 500 - the two brands' unique profile and popularity make them instantly recognized worldwide and their shared roots in design excellence make it a perfect marriage," said Richard Dickson, General Manager and Senior Vice President, Barbie®.

True style icons transcend generations, fads and trends. Both Fiat and Barbie® were born in the late 50's and continue to enjoy incredible popularity as they remain true to their shared heritage of great design, style and fulfilling dreams and expectations worldwide.

After an enthusiastic presentation in Milan on March 9th, the Barbie™ Fiat 500 is in Paris today to deliver Barbie® to a party at the chic fashion outpost, colette. The Barbie™ Fiat 500 will continue to appear at celebrations and Barbie® parties around the globe throughout the anniversary year.

In the true spirit of Barbie® doll, who is best friends to girls the world over, the special-edition Fiat 500 car designed for Barbie® doll herself will be made available to little girls in the toy format starting in October of this year. "We couldn't be more proud to see Barbie behind the wheel of such an Italian icon," continued Dickson. "And for girls to be able to also live out this dream is part of the magic of our brand."

Retail prices and distribution details on the products will be made available shortly.

About Mattel, Inc.
Mattel, Inc., (NYSE: MAT) (www.mattel.com) is the worldwide leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of toys and family products. The Mattel family is comprised of such best-selling brands as Barbie®, the most popular fashion doll ever introduced, Hot Wheels®, Matchbox®, American Girl®, Radica® and Tyco® R/C, as well as Fisher-Price® brands, including Little People®, Power Wheels® and a wide array of entertainment-inspired toy lines. Mattel is recognized as one of 2009's "100 Best Companies to Work For" by FORTUNE Magazine. With worldwide headquarters in El Segundo, Calif., Mattel employs approximately 30,000 people in 43 countries and territories and sells products in more than 150 nations. Mattel's vision is to be the world's premier toy brands--today and tomorrow.

About Fiat Group Automobiles
Fiat Group Automobiles designs, produces and sells cars worldwide under the Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Lancia, Fiat Professional (light commercial vehicles) and Abarth brands. One of the pioneer companies in the automobile industry, Fiat has produced more than 95 million passenger cars and light commercial vehicles, including no less than 450 models, since 1899, when the company was founded in Turin, Italy. Some of them have represented milestones in the automotive industry.